Ignition system and apparatus.



R. VARLEY.

IGNITION SYSTEM AND APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.29. I914.

Patented June 19, 1917.

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INVENTOR I6'CM2TNQESSES 3 R Kw R. VARLEY. IGNITION SYSTEM AND APPARATUS.

, APPLICATION FILED AUG .29, I914.

Patented June 19, 1917.

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FGNITION SYSTEM AND APPARATUS.

- APPLICATION EILED AUGJQ. I914.

Patented June 19, 1917.

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WITNESSES R. VARLEY.

IGNITION SYSTEM'AND APPARATUS.

- APPL'ICATION FILED AUG.29. 1914. 1,230,540.

7. I 1 \\\III H IE; INFNTO i I w A k 52 3 .Iameew R. VARLEY.

IGNITION SYSTEM AND APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-29. I914.

Patented J 11110 19, 1917.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

INVENTOR $51M 9. (R. Kw

R. VARLEY.

IGNITION SYSTEM AND APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.29, 1914.

Patented June 19, 1917.

FSHEETS-SHEET 7.

INVENTOR U N m \L on N U E on m A Q. o. m \m 0 E N- I H I. UE

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NiI'gEgES 9, R Kaw UNITED STATES I PATENT OFFICE.

RICHARD VARLEY, OF ENGLEWOOID, NEW JERSEY.

IGNITION SYSTEM AND APPARATUS.

specification.

This invention relates to electrical systems, more particularly totheprovision of means for exploding the combustible mixture in thecylindersof an engine.

The general object of this invention is to provide a new and improvedform of ignition system and apparatus which shall be effectivelyresponsive to the requirements. of the modern internal combustion engineof the equipment of autovehicles and which shall be flexible in control.The attainment of this end and other advantages, hereafter apparent, areafforded by the folowing provisions and by other features ofconstructions to be hereinafter more fully set forth:

The provision of a system and apparatus employing interrupter or timermechanism, the contact elements of which are relieved from contactualactivity, by occupying a non-operative position, during non-use of theignition circuit of which said mechanism is an element and whenenergized by another ignition circuit, as that of a magneto generator;

Means whereby movement of the contact mechanism into operative vpositionshall otherwise close or effect completion-of the ignition circuits;

arrangement wherein the contact mechanism may be automatically broughtto operative position upon spark adjustment of the interrupter or timerin the direction of retard or advance positions;

An ignition system and apparatus in which the spark 'coil or transformermechanism is automatically brought out of drain ing or dissipatingconnection with the usual battery or accumulator of the equipment uponstopping of the engine;

Means whereby the contact mechanism of the interrupter or timer isrestored to its normal inoperative position automatically upondisconnection of the spark coil or Specification of Letters Patent;

circuit, as that of the spark plugs are Patented June 19, 1917.

. Application filed August 29, 1914. Serial No. 859,160.

transformer from the ignition circuit upon stopping of the engine.

A system employing a single (listributer mechanism and'means forconnecting the high tension winding of either the continuous or batteryignition circuit or the magneto generator to the distributer and also byspark adjustment of interrupter or timer apparatus or upon movement ofthe contact mechanism of the aforesaid interrupter or timer into and outof operative position;

and

Circuit and switch or controlling means whereby a continuous or batteryignition circuit and an alternatingcurrent ignition a regular magneto,may operate in parallel or unison and when the latter circuit becomesineflicient or non-operative during operation of the engine, the othercircuit shall responsively operate in a superinductive or sessionalcapacity.

In the I have had in mind the primary, requirement of affordingeffective ignition at all. speeds of the modern high speed internalcombustion engine of the equipment of autovehicles. Such equipmentusually employs a magneto generator, and it has been found that whenthis magneto is driven at low speeds, such as obtain at or just afterstarting of the engine, it fails to deliver an effective sparkingcurrent, and that when it is driven at high speeds, the magnetic flux ofits field shifts in such manner as to destroy substantial coincidencebetween the current peak and the desired moment of ignition .or time ofdelivery of the spark at the plug, the current wave peak shifting to animpotent position.

By my invention it is possible to cut in the battery 'or continuouscurrent ignition circuit merely by shifting the interrupter or timermechanism of that circuit in the direction of spark retard or advance.In the particular arrangement shown and hereafter described, I providemeans for completing, during starting of the engine, the batteryignition circuit in elude or render ineffective, during starting, themeans for establishing said battery circuit by spark adjusting movementof the interrupter or timer for the reason that assomated with the lastnamed mechanism is resistive or a super provision of the last namedmeans.

such manner as to exmeans for disconnecting the spark coil or ately uponassumption mechanism diagrammatically illustrated in of the engine.starting it is customary to adjust the battery ignition interrupter ortimer for spark retard to prevent premature firing, immedithe engine,resultant automatic connecting in of the battery completes theignition'circuit otherwise closed by previous adjustment of theinterrupter or timer to f spark retard. Should the magneto generator ofthe system subsequently develop ineificiency in-approach to high'speedor to low speed, I can establish, by spark advance or spark retardrespectively, of the interrupter or timer, as above stated, theauxiliary or battery or continuous current ignition circuit and withoutdisturbing the otherwise preformed or established circuit connections ofthe magneto generator.

-The above mentioned and, other advant'ages will more fully appear inthe following description of my invention, which I will now make inconnection'with the accompanying drawings, so that others skilled in theart to which it appertains may under: stand and construct the same, itbeing premised, however, that many changes maybe made in the variousstructures shown and v circuit arrangements therein largelydiagrammatically illustrated, without departing from In invention.

Figure 1 1s a diagrammatic view of an'ignition system and apparatgsaembodying my invention; Fig. 2 is a sim' ar view, showing modified formof timer mechanism and a vibrator spark coil; Fig. 3 is a diagrammaticview corresponding generally to the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 butshowing means for connecting the high tension winding of a spark coil orof a magneto generator to common distributer mechanism; Fig. 4 is a planview showing interrupter mechanism diagrammatically indicated in anelevational view, partly broken away, of the same; Fig. 6 is atransverse sectional view on the line 66 of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a similarsectional view on the line 7-7 of Fig. 5; Fig. 8 is a plan view of timermechanism diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 2; Fig. 9 is a plan viewof interrupter or timer Fig. 3'; Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic view of anignition system and apparatus showing modified vmanner of automaticallydisconnecting the spark coil, and interrupter mechanism, from the sourceof energy; Fig. 11 is a similar view showing other modified means, foraccomplishing. the same purpose; and Figs. 12 and 13 are elevational andtop plan views respectively of magnetic means, indicated in Fig. 11, forcutting ouk the spark coil and interrupter mechanism.

of self-propulsion of separate the contacts tradistinguished from "whichconnects with a of suitable distributer mechanism 18 the i circuitinterrupter or shown in Fig. 4) comprrslng'essen- Fig. 1; Fig. 5 isReferring to Fig. 1 ofthe drawings, 1

have shown-my invention in connection wlth an electric generator 2adapted to a supply current to a light or work circuit 3 and to charge abattery (accumulator) 4. This generator has serles and shunt fieldwindings 5 and 6, respectively, that are connected to olppose eachother. The numeral 7 indicates core of a magnetic cut out or relay,having winding in circuit with shunt field winding of the generator andconsisting, preferably, of afine. wire coil 8 and a heavy series coil 9which have I tact connection at 10, with which contact is adapted toco-act a contact member 11 carried by and electrically connected to apivotally mounted armature 12 connected in the batterycircuit. Connectedto the armature 12 is a suitable spring 13 which operates to 10 and 11at low engine speeds. I The spark coil or transformer of a. continuousor battery ignition circuit, as conamagneto or alternating currentcircuit, is indicated at 14 and comprises a usual and a high tension orsecondary winding '16 revoluble arm 17 symmetrically disposed segmentsor contacts 19 of which connect with spark plugs of the engine (notshown), in the usual manner, as by leads 20. One end primary winding 15connects with; the battery 4 while the other end is connected to a core21 0f an electromagnet 22, having ener-,

gizing winding 22. Saidmagnet in this a common terminal conof the uparticular instance is mounted in and its core 4 insulated from thecasing or housing 23 of timer mechanism ,(clearly tially a. fixedcontact 24, a relatlvely yieldable contact or movable lever 25 andcontact actuating means. Connected across said contacts is a-usualcondenser 25. 24 and lever 25, normally in contactual union, are carriedby an insulated mounting 26 pivoted in the casing 23, as at 27, and thecontact 24: is -mounted on anextens'ion of or electrically connected toan arm 28 of the pivotal member 26, while the contact lever 25 isgrounded, as at 29. The arm 28 constitutes an armature for the magnet22, attraction by which of the arm, plvotally moves the member 26-tosuch positlon as to present the contact lever, 25 to an actuating cam.30 (properly synchronously driven by the engine through suitable gearconnection, not shown), against the action of a spring 31 which servesupon and during demagnetization of the magnet 22, to return and normallyhold the armature 28 against a stop 32 and the contact lever 25 out ofthe path of the projecting noses of the actuating cam. With the magnetcore The contact 21 connected in the circuit of the primary winding ofthe spark coil, attraction of the armature 28 and contact thereof withthe core completes, from the battery, through the primary winding 15 ofthe spark coil,

contacts 24 and 25, and ground 29 and batteryground 33, a primaryignition circuit subject to periodical interruption byoperative-separation of the contacts 24 and by the action of the cam 30on the latter yieldable contact or lever 25, for the production of ahigh potential sparking cur rent in the secondary winding of the sparkcoil, as is understood.

By means of switch mechanism'34 control of the battery ignitioncircuitis effected and also, as herinafter set forth, the control ofcertain more or less interdependently related elements of the equipmentof an autovehicle. This switch mechanism 34 which may be'mounted at anyconvenientplace on the vehicle, comprises an insulated base or support35 that carries contact blades 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40 grouped about apivotal switch block 41 carrying contact fingers 42, 43 and 44 grounded,

as at 45, and insulated bridging contact blades 46 and 47. The pivotalswitch member 41 is provided with a suitable manipulating handle 48. Themovable contacts 42 and 43 are adapted to co-act with contact finger orblade 40 for grounding a magneto generator 49 "of the iequipmen-t jwhenit is desired to cut out that element,

as hereinafter set forth. Theimovable contact member 44 is adapted, byengagement, with the contact 36, to connect the winding of theinterrupter magnet 22in grounded circuit with the battery, while contact46 when shifted to bridge the contacts 36 and 37 also connects, ashereinafter more fully described, the magnet winding 22 with the batteryand in circuit with winding 9 of the generator relay or cut out abovedescribed. Bridging of contacts 38 and 39 by the con tact member 47brings the battery, into energizing connection withengine startingmechanism or controlling apparatus for such starting mechanism (notshown), as

by lead 50.

When it is desired to start the engine the switch arm 48 is shifted tomove switch body or block 41 against the tension of a spring 51, to aposition where contact 47 will bridge, or connect contacts 38 and 39.This position for the arm 48, is indicated by S on the index plate ofthe switch structure shown in the drawing. Bridging of the contacts 38and 39 connects in battery circuit, and setsup operation of, the enginestarting apparatus, or its control for turning over or initial drivingof the engine. Movement of the switch to S or engine starting position,brings contact 44 into engagement with the contact 36 of the r Vposition, with resultant ing. thereof,

switch with the result that the winding 22 of the interrupter magnet 22is connected in the battery circuit, resulting in attractive pull of thearmature 28 into contact with the magnet core 21, shifting of theinterrupter contact lever'25 into operative juxtaposition to theactuating cam 30, and the establishment of a battery primary igni tioncircuit for utilization during starting of the engine.

Upon picking up or assumption of selfpropulsion of the engine, theswitch arm 48 is released and the spring 51 returns the switch member 41to M or magneto position, breaking the connection between contacts 39and 47 andcausi contact 44 to pass from contact finger 36. It willbeassumed that the interrupter or timer casing 23 has been so shifted asto obtain theing of the generator 2 by the engine, causes energizing ofthecoils 8 and 9 of the aforesaid magnetic cut out or relay andresultant attraction of the relay armature 12 in such manner as toeffect engagement of the relay.

contacts lO and 11. By the provision of switch means, as hereinafterfully set forth,

occupation of the interrupter of spark retard, position brings ormaintains, as through 1eads'36-, 37 and 37 and coil 9 of the magneticcut out or relay, the magnet winding 22 in closed circuit with thebattery, so that whenswitch contact 44 passes from contact finger 36 inthe breaking of engine starting connection, in the manner above setforth, the interrupter or timer mechanism of the battery or continuouscurrent ignition circuit remains operative. It therefore will be seenthat initial driving of the engine may be made on battery ignition anduntil such time as the magneto generator delivers effective sparkingcurrent. When it is desired to discontinue use of the magneto generator49, the switch arm 48 may be shifted to a position to bring the contactfinger 42 into engagement with the contact blade 40 or to 01$ shortcircuiting grounding of the magneto.

Shifting of the switch arm 48 so as to cause bridging of the contacts 36and 37 by the contact 46 orcto MB or magnetobattery -position, moves thecontact finger 42 from the contact 40, restoring the magneto tooperative condition by ungroundand connects the interrupter magnet 22into energizing relationship with the battery, which, it will beassumed, is now in circuit with the active lighting generator and-thecoil 9 of the battery or gene erator cut-out or interrupter or erates ina supplementary capacity. Thus 'tacts or terminals 36 and 37 and bringsthe contact 43 into engagement with contact finger 40, resulting in theestablishment of operative conditions in the battery or continuouscurrent circuit, above described,

and grounding of the magneto,

As stated above,'a magneto generator is usually inefiective at lowspeeds of the engine, and for many reasons which are well understood andneedinot be here stated, alternating current, supplied by the magnetogenerator, for ignition purpose, is desirable during normal running ofthe en-' gme. However, increase in speed of the engine, and resultantdriving of the magneto at correspondingly advancedcspeed, sets upshifting ofthe magnetic flux or field of the magneto to a degree greaterthanthe normal or possible angular advance adjustment of the circuitinterrupting means, such shifting resulting in movement of the currentwave peak to a position materially out of synchronism or coincidencewith the desired moment of ignition.

As stated above, I have provided switch mechanism whereby occupation ofthe interrupter or timer mechanism of the battery circuit of sparkretard position, as incident to starting of the engine, completes acircuit for the controlling magnet coil22 when the primary winding 15 ofthe spark coil is connected in, the battery circuit through out out orrelay winding 9. Such switch mechanism, however, is not limited infunction to the establishment of a bat-' teryignition circuit duringinitial operation ofltheengine, but is designed to cut in the battery orcontinuous current rimary ignition circuit when the magneto generatordevelops weakness at high speed or at low speed of the engine andaccordingly. by merely making adjustment of the timer mechanism in thedirection of spark advance or retard. This mechanism includes,essentially, insulated double contact mechanism 52and an insulatedrelaupon advance or tively movable contact 53, carried, as indicated, bya movable element of spark adjusting means.

retard movement in adjustment of the interrupter mechanism, establishesa shunt circuit around the switch contacts 36 and 37, through leads 36and into circuit Shifting of the contact 53,

clearly set forth in a which passes need be no for housing 55 which ofdistributer mechanism,

the assumption of lower speed, it being necessary to shift theinterrupter mechanism to spark retard position before the continuouscurrent ignition circuit can be established. Furthermore it will be seenthat these connections are made without disturbing the magneto switchconnections, so tha there ber 41- preparatory to natural restoration orrecovery of the magneto to normal condition. f r

The degree of advance or retard at which the continuous current ignitioncircuit may be out in by spark adjustment of the interrupter or timermechanism, is preferably such in each case as to establish the.continuous current ignition circuit at a suitable point intermediatefull advance and retard not only so as to be efiectively responsive toinitial development of weakness in the magneto, but to permit of the useof said continuous current in flexible manner through proper sparkadjustment. This implies the maintenance of .the closed shunt circuit ofthemagnet winding 22* during further spark adjustment of the interrupteror timer after the establishment of such circuit, by the provision of ayieldable switch arrangement, and I provide such means by the employmentof the interrupter or timer construction indicated in Fig. land moreFigs. 4: 5, 6 and 7 Referring mgre particularly to these latter views,the contact elements'in the casing 23 are more directly carried orhoused by a shell member 5A nesting in an outer casing is connected theusual distributer casing 56 uter mechanism 18, indicated in Fig. 1. Thecasing 55 is provided with a usual base 57 (see Figs. 5 and 6) recessedto pivotally fit the top of a.support or bearing 58 through theactuating shaft 59 of the interrupter or contact cam 30. A frictionclamp or anti-rattling device 60 urges the base 57 to its seat. Thismeans comprises a spring 61 interposed between the top face of the base57' and a washer or abutment 62 on a pin or stud 63 fixedly"carried bythe support 58 and extending up through an opening 63' in the base orplatform 57. This supports or to which.

such as distribmanipulationlof the switch memited pivotal the base ofthe tion devices, comprising a pin 63 'dependopening 63 is elongated topermit of limmovement of the timer casing 55 relatively to the shaft 59,and carried by the base is a post or stud 64 connected to which and thefiXed stud 63 is a contractile spring 65 which tends to hold the timercasing 55 in fixed (preferably full retard) position so that the innertimer shell 54 may be pivotally shifted for rotative adjustment of thecontact lever relatively to the cam for limited or normal spark advanceand retard without attending shifting of the outer casing 55 carryingthe distributer casing 56. The inner casing 54 is yieldably clamped toouter casing by suitable fricing from the shell 54 through elongatedconcentric slots 63 (see Fig. 4) formed in the bottom of the outercasing 55, and a spring 61 interposed between the bottom of the outercasing it being understood that the slots are suificiently elongated andthe clamping members are under such tension as will permit of movementof the shell 54 within the outer casing 55, as stated, without resultantmoving of the latter casing, which shifting of the inner casing may beeffected radial arm 66 which connects with the inner casing, as clearlyshown in Figs. 5 and 7 through a slot concentrically formed in thebottom of the outer casing 55.

The insulated switch contact or finger 53 of the interrupter mechanismisso carried by the timer or interrupter as to be movable with movement ofthe inner casing 54 while the double contact 52 is shown as comprisingan insulated post 67 carried by the floor or bottomwall of the outercasing 55 and extending up through an arcuate opening 68 in the bottomof the inner shell 54 and provided with spaced resilient contact fingers69 and 70.

It will readily be seen that pivotal shifting of the inner casing orshell 54 will bring the contact finger or post 53 into engagement witheither yieldable finger 69 or 70 according to whether the arm 66 'isshifted in the direction of spark advance or retard.

As stated above the'degree of rotative adjustable movement (which may becontrolled by the length of the slots 63 or the opemng 67 of the innercasing 54 should be sufiicient to obtain spark adjustment within therange of normal running speed. As a result, the distributer 56 remainsstationary during the greater part of the time of operation of theengine, and thus there is no eX tended working back and forth of thespark plug leads or cords at their juncture with the distributer box orcasing with attending wear and liability to disturbance of terminalconnections. When the independent movement of the inner shell 54, insparkand a head or abutment 62 on in any desired manner, as by means-ofa contact lever 25 tion.

The system and mechanism described .above concerns that type of systemwherein the spark is formed, in the battery ignition circuit, by theinterruption of a primary circuit and resultant building up of a highpotential sparking current in the secondary winding or coil to which isconnected the distributer mechanism. It will be apparent that theprinciple of my invention will not be departed from but may bereadily'embodied in a system in which the spark is formed by the closingof a primary circuit intercalated in which may be suitable buzzer orvibrator mechanism for the purpose of trembling the current and causingthe formation of a cascade of sparks at the terminals of the plugs. Ihave indicated such system in Fig. 2 which diagrammatically is the sameas Fig. 1, with the exception that a modifiedform of timer apparatus andvibrator mechanism is shown in connection with the primary circuit. Toobviate repetition of description of the essential parts and operationthereof, except as hereinafter set forth, like reference numerals areused to indicate like or similar parts.

In this Fig. 2 (also see Fig. 8) the timer contact mechanism comprises ayieldable carried by a pivotal support 26, properly insulated, andprovided 1 0 with an arm 28 which corresponds in function with the arm28 described above. Energizing of the timer magnet 22 attracts the arm28 against the action of spring 31', moving the timer contact blade orfinger 25 into position for contactual engagement thereof by apositively driven contact came 30, grounded at 29. This contact 25 andthe cam 30 constitute the means by which the circuit of the primary coilor winding 12o of-the spark coil is periodically closed in propersynchronism with the engine, and included in this primary circuit orconnected across the contact lever 25 and the contact cam 30 is thecondenser 25 and vibrator mechanism 15 comprising vibrator blade 15contact 15 and a magnetic core l5 which may form part of the spark coil15. In this modified arrangement shown in Fig. 2, the closing of thecircuit of the timer magnet coil 22 by shiftable adjustable movement forark advance or retard is ef fected by coactiveengagementlof the contactpost. or finger 53 with the yieldable contact .blades 69 and 70' whichcorrespond in function to the yieldable fingers 69 and 70 describedabove. In this arrangement it is assumed that the distributer mechanism18 or the distributer casing 36 is carried by or connected to the timercasmg 23. On account of the instantaneous formation of the or retardingthe distributer,

degree of eontactual movement of the distributer arm 17 over eachsegment 19 of the distrlbuter being such as to complete (with.-

' out shiftable ad ustment of the distributer) at any pomt within thenormal range of spark adjustment of the interrupter or timer, a sparkplug circuit. In systems employing a vibrator primary circuit in which.

the spark is formed by closing the circuit,

- the incidental lag of the current and the necessity for extendedcontact dwell requires, in obtaining desired spark advanceand retard,simultaneous movement. of the timer or distributer mechanism through thewhole angular range of adjustment. Therefore, it

will he seen that if in the use of the systemdisclosed in Fig. 2, it isdesired to use a a timer or circuit controlling device, the movablecontact or contacts of which are more directly carried by an inneradjustable shell, and in which the switch elements for establishing theshunt circuit of the magnet 22 are housed, the distributer casing 56must beso mounted or connected to the inner casing or shell 54 of saidpreviously described interrupter or timer construction or must be sootherwise connected as to be shiftably adjustable in unison withadjustablemovement of said inner shell or casing.

It will of course be. apparent that my invention is not limited to theemployment of. directly connected interrupter ortimer and distributermechanism. These elements may be separately formed and separatelydriven.- Furthermore, anism of the usual magneto generator may act inthe capacity of distributer in the battery or continuous currentignition circuit. I have indicated such an arrangement in Fig. 3 whichotherwise'discloses a system corresponding'with that illustrated in Fig.1, and in which-like parts accordingly bear like reference numerals, sothat it is unnecessary to here repeat'the description and operationotherwise than to disclose the feature of utilizing a common dis- .theinterrupter casing 23, while to a movas disclosed above in con?transformer the angular .ticularly to Y the interrupter or the hightension win the distributer IIlQCh'.

Item and mechanism set 'forth in tributer element. As stat d, this:common distributerelement, shown'in Fig. 3, may

comprise the distributer 49' of a magneto generator 49.. It is wellunderstood thatthis distributer of the magneto is operatively associatedwith the high tension winding of the magneto generator. I have indicatedthis high tension winding (not shown) as being connected, as by lead 71,to an insu lated switch contact or post 72, carried by I e ableinsulated switch member '73 I connect, as through lead 74;, the usualrotating arm or distributer element (not shown) of the magnetogenerator. The high tension winda iIig 16 of the battery circuit sparkcoil-or 30 145 connects with an insulated switch contact 7 5. Referringmore par- Fig. 9, which illustrates in larger view the interruptermechanism of the battery ignition circuit of Fig. 3, it will be seenthat the movable switch element 73 is operatively carried by anoscillating or pivotal switch block 76 which'is adapted to be actuatedby movement of the arm or armature 28 carried by the pivotal interrupter0 contact mounting mechanism '7 6. This 1 movement in the particularconstruction, is efi'ected by means of a pinion 77 carried by the switchblock 76 and which meshes with a short rack ortoothed foot 78 formed onthe arm or armature 28. j The adjustment between the armature 28 andtheswitch block 76 is such that when timer mechanism of the battery orcontinuous current ignition circuit is in operative condition, the hightension winding 16 of the spark coil 14 will be connected to the magnetodistributer mechanism 49' via contacts and '73 and lead 7 4, and whenthe interrupter mechanism 0 the battery ignition circuit is inoperative,ding of the magneto generator connects with its own distributermechanism 49'- via lead 71, switch. contacts 72 and 73 and lead 74. Thisis brought T about by the fact that movement of the armature 28, ineither direction, whether by attraction ofthe interrupter or timermagnet 22 or by the returning action of the spring 31, alternatelyshifts the yieldable switch blade 73 into engagement with the switchposts or contacts 75 and 72 respectively.v I

From the foregoing description of the sysviews 1, 2 and 3, and asmentioned above, it will be readily seen that after the engine has beenstarted and the switch arm 418 occupies anyposition of the switch arm48, maintenance- -of closed circuit condition oi the winding grounded at29 22 of the interrupter or timer mechanism obtains by reason of thefact that the mag netic cut out or relay of the main generator 2,remains closed during self-propulsion of the engine and generativedriving of the generator 2. Dropping of the speed of the engine belowself-propulsion or stopping thereof weakens'the magnetic attraction inthe cut out core 7 so that a counter fiow of current from the battery 4through the relay or cut out winding 9 neutralizes the magneticattraction, to the pull of the spring 13, separating the contacts 10 and11 and interrupting the circuit of the coil of the coil of theinterrupter or timer mag- .net 22 which in turn causes the shiftablecontact element of said mechanism to move to an inoperative position asalready described. As a result,cthe spark coil 14 is brought out ofconnection with the battery, through breaking of the primary circuitupon contactual separation of the interrupter or timer arm or armature28 or 28 and the core 21 of the magnet 22, the advantage of which isthat the spark coil can not effect a dissipating pull on the batterywhen the engine is idle. This would be otherwise were all connections ofthe magnet Winding 22 established with the battery, through grounds 29and 30 or in such other man ner,.,except as hereinafter set forth, as topreclude thecut-outwflect of the magnetic cut-out or relay operation ofwhich is controlled or influenced by the generator 2, which, it will bepresumed, is constantly driven when the engine -is in operation.

In the accomplishment of the above purpose means, as above described,are asso- I ciated with the magnet '22, for shifting the interrupter ortimer contact levers or blades into an inoperative position. It will beapparent that I do not desire to limit my invention to the employment ofsuch an arrangement. For instance in Fig. 10 I have indicated anordinary form of interrupter mechanism comprising. a fixed insulatedcontact 243, a movable contact lever 25 and an actuating cam 30. I alsoshow an electromagnet 22", the core 21 of which is included in thecircuit of the primary winding 15 of the spark coil 14. The magnet 22has a yieldable 'or spring blade armature 28 adapted to contact with acontact 28 which may form part of, or be electrically connected to, thefixed contact 24 The remaining parts of the system disclosed in thisview,- Fig. 10, correspond in design and function to the systemdisclosed in Fig. 1" and above described and accordinglybear likereference numerals and need not be here described in repetition. It willbe understood that when the winding 22 of the magnet 22 is energized, asby occupareleasing the armature 12 9 and therefore the circuit ment forcutting out the ence numerals.

-ing or coil lay of the 28 will be attracted by theresultantly'magnetized core 21 insuch manner as to contactwith themember 28 and bring contact mechanism 24 and 25 into operative circuitwith the spark coil. This small magnet 22 may be placed at any suitable,point inside or outside of the interrupter or timer, or distributercasin so long as the proper contact and terminal connections areafforded.

In Fig. 11 Ialso show a modified arrangespark coil when the enginestops. This may, as inthe present case, be accomplished without theemployment of a separate magnet, and: without sacrificing the advantagesof the switch and circuit arrangement, above described. The generalsystem, including the contact mechanism in the battery circuit,corresponds with that. shown in Fig. 10 and like parts therefore in thepresent view bear like refer- When the switch arm 48 is shifted to Sengine starting mechanism or its control, the

, movable contact 47, .by means of an extending finger 47 engagescontact finger 38 in the circuit of the coil 15 and an extension 46 onthe contact 46, bridges the two contacts 36 and 37 which are here shownas directly connected in the circuit of the wind- 15, and the contacts24 and 25 completing the primary battery circuit. The battery therefore,through lead 50*,is brought into closed circuit with the engine startingmechanism and the primary winding of the spark coil. Release of theswitch arm 48 causes the spring 51 to return the switch member41 or arm48 to M position, resulting in disconnection of the engine startingmechanism or its control, in the manner above described, and also ininterruption of the circuit of the primary winding 15 of the spark coil,by reason'of contact extension 46 finger 37. l .7

In this arrangement, it. will be seen that the winding 9 of the magneticcut out or regenerator 2, is not brought into circuitwith the spark coil14 when, in attraction of the armature 12 upon driving of the engine,the contact 11 engages contact 10 and connects the battery in chargingcircuit with the generator. However, I have provided switch or contactmechanism which is controlled by the core 7 of the relay. It

moving from contact position for connecting of the.

comprises, as clearly shown in Figs. 12

and 13, essentially an insulated contact blade 78 connected to thebattery, as by lead 79, and constituting a yieldable armature arcontact80 connected juxtaposition to a leg or ranged in suitable 7, andarelatively fixed face of the core move it into engagement with thecontact 80 and bring into circuit with the battery, the primary winding15 of the spark coil completion of the circuit of which with the batterywould be efiected by movement of the switch arm 48 to either positionsMB or B and resultant connection of contacts 36 and 37 by contact 46.

An advantage of the arrangement shown in Fig. 11 is that the batteryprimary ignition circuit, 'when otherwise completed in the manneralready set forth, remains closed so long as the core 7 of the relay isenergized sufficiently to. attractthe blade 8, and inasmuch as the relaywinding is connected to the shunt winding 6 of the generator, the coreof the relay remains active until the engine stops.

sired switch arrangement maybe used for making the various circuitconnections outlined. The tacts for controlling the battery ignitioncurrent by adjustment may be such that the movable contact cated inFigs. 3 and 9 wherein the tacts are indicated at 69 and 70 fixedconwhile the movable contact constitutes an interme diateiy disposedyieldable blade 53*. It will also be apparent that the interrupter orti'mer casing construction disclosed in Figs. 1 4:, 5 and 6 may be usedwithout the emp oyment of a directly attached distributer mechanism.Such idea is shown in Figs. 3 and 9, the distributer of the batteryignition current being through the magneto generator distributermechanism.

The idea of automatically cutting out the spark coil or transformer,forms subject matter of my application Serial No. 861,230 and I I duringlow speeds or inactivityfof the -en- 1 therefore do not claim the sameherein.

Jhe broad idea of rendering inoperative the ignition. controller ortimer means forms subject matter of Letters Patent No."

1,071,373,v granted to me August 26, 1913, and is not therefore claimedherein. i What Iclaim and desire to secure by Let- H ters Patent is:

1. In ignition systems and apparatus, an

electric circuit,- controller means for said cirto the primary wmdspeedsor inactivity With this arrangement the regular armature 12 of the relaymay cut the arrangement of'the switch conmay be resilient, as indic'uitand electro-magnetic means for nor- 65 mally closing said clrcuit,biased to open the circuit at a predetermined time.

2.. In ignition systems and apparatus for disconnecting the circuit andbattery at low of the engine.

3. In ignition systemsand apparatus for engines, a battery, an ignitioncircuit, and? electrically actuable switch means for normally connectingthe circuit with the bat tery, biased to open the circuit at apredetermined time. a

4. In ignition systems and apparatus for engines, a battery, atransformer, an ignition circuit, controller ,means for cuit, andelectrically actuable means operatively associated with the battery, forconnecting'the circuit with the battery and biased to open the ignitioncircuit at a predetermined time.

5. In ignition systems and apparatus for engines, spark producing meansincluding the cir- Jtrically actuable. means for automatically circuit,a source of energy therefor, electrically, actuable controlling switchmeans for automatically bringing said spark producing means out of'energizing relationship with the source of energy at low speeds or!inactivity of the engine, and means for rendering said controlling-meansineffective.

6. In ignition systems and apparatus, an ignition circuit, electricallyactuable circuit closing means therefor, adapted to automatically opensaid circuit under certain,

conditions, and independent means for completing said circuit. H

7. In ignition systems'and apparatus for enginesfspark producing means,battery, electrically actuable switch means or bringing said means intocircuit with the battery and biased to'maintain disconnection of saidmeans and battery during low speeds or inactivity of the engine, andmeans for connecting the spark producing means in circuit with thebattery during starting of the engine.

8. Inignition systems and apparatus for.v

engines, transformer means, a battery, electro-magntic means forconnecting the transformer in circuit with the battery and biased tomaintain said circuit in open condition at battery, biased to interruptsaid circuit connection at'a predetermined-time, and inand means forrendering said last dependent means for completing said circuit.

' assumes low speeds or stops,

electric generator,

open the circuit at a 10. In ignition systems and apparatus, an ignitioncircuit, electro-magnetic means for normally closing the circuit. andbiased to predetermined time, and means for renderi g theelectro-magnetic means inefiective. I

11. In ignition systems and apparatus, transformer means, a battery,magnetic circuit closing means for connecting the transformer in circuitwith the battery, and adapted to disconnect the transformer and batteryat a predetermined time, and switch means for rendering said last namedmeans ineffective.

12. In ignition systems and apparatus for engines, spark producingmeans, and electro-magnetic means under control of the engine, forconnecting the'sparkproducing means in circuit with a source ofelectrical energy during movement of the engine and forbringing thespark producing means out of dissipating connection, with the sourceofenergy when the engine assumes low speeds or steps.

13. In ignition systems and apparatus for engines, spark producingmeans, electromagnetic means under control of the" engine, forconnecting the spark producing means in circuit with a source ofelectrical energy during activity of theengine and for bringingthespa'rk producing means out of connection with said source when theengine and means for rendering said last named means ineflective when itis desired to start the engine.

14, In ignition systems and apparatus, an

a battery, spark producing means, including make and break mechanism andmeans under control of said generator, for bringing the spark producingmeans into and out of circult with the batte l 5. In ignition systemsand apparatus, an electric generator, a battery, means for bringing thebattery into and out of circuit with the generator, and spark producingmeans including make and break mechanism under control of said means.

' 16. In ignition systems and apparatus, an electric generator, .abattery, means for bringing the battery into circuit with the generatorand adapted to interrupt such circuit at a predetermined time, and sparkproducing means including a circuit under control of said last namedmeans.

17. In ignition systems and apparatus, an electric generator, a battery,a transformer, electromagnetic means under control of the generator, forbringing the transformer into circuit with the battery, and biased tointerrupt such circuit connection, and means for bringingthe'transformer into circuit with the battery independently of said lastnamed means,

18, In ignition systems and apparatus, an electric circuit, a secondcircuit, switch means in the first circuit, and means in the secondcircuit, for controlling said switch means and biased to maintain theswitch in open circuit condition.

' 19. In ignition systems and apparatus, an ignition circuit, electro-magnetic switch means for controlling said circuit with respect to asource of energy, and speed responsive means for controlling saidmagnetic means. i

20. In ignition systems and apparatus, a primary ignition circuit, anelectric generator, magnetic means for controlling said circuit, andmeans operatively associated with the generator, for controlling saidmagnetic means. I v

21. In ignition systems and apparatus, an ignition circuit, a battery, agenerator, means for controlling a circuit between the battery andgenerator, and separate means associated with said last named means, forcontrolling the ignition circuit with respect to the battery.

22. In ignition systems and apparatus, a battery, an ignition circuit, asecond circuit operating a switch for closing of the said ignitioncircuit, and a generator, said second circuit being controlledby thegenerator. a

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

. RICHARD VARLEY.

Witnesses:

M. 0. Karma, Ham Wooc.

